6 Ways to Bring the Richness of Leather Home
Skin has always been in around the home, from classic sofas to luxurious walls, but today's leather options are broader than ever
I'm a Houzz Contributor and Atlanta designer (http://culpeppercarpets.com) who's designed residential and commercial projects for 30 years. I also host a design radio show in Atlanta, instruct design classes at Emory University and teach kitchen design classes for the Greater Atlanta Home Building Association.
I'm a Houzz Contributor and Atlanta designer (http://culpeppercarpets.com)... More »
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Leather has been used for clothing, protection, furniture and rugs since prehistoric times, and for good reasons: It's readily available, durable and flexible. But leather has come a long way since the cave ages, thanks to modern science. Today both natural and faux leather can be dyed any color, stamped with designs and treated to be stain resistant. And in today’s design-oriented world, leather has some truly unique uses. Let’s explore some modern and traditional ways this old material is being used now.
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Walls. This creative application usually ends up being pretty expensive, since one hide costs around $200 (on the lower end of the price scale), and the average hide is approximately 50 to 52 square feet.
| Floors. Leather floor tiles can be glued to a plywood floor using contact cement. Although these one-of-a-kind applications are stunning, they can be difficult to care for. Leather floors need to be vacuumed with a soft bristle brush and mopped monthly with distilled water. You also have to clean up spills quickly so they don't stain. |
| Upholstery. Leather couches have become a classic furniture staple. While they look stunning and wear well, leather is cool to the touch in the winter and clings to the skin in warm weather (think of leather car seats and bare legs), meaning it's not the most comfortable upholstery choice for extreme environments. Stains, including pen ink, can be difficult to remove, too. |
| You'll want to keep leather at least 2 feet from a heat source to prevent it from drying out, and keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. And do not use caustic household cleaners to clean leather. Instead, use a mild, nonacidic soap mixed with water and apply with an up-and-down or side-to-side motion (not in a circle). Clean an area larger than the spot, rinse with a damp cloth and allow it to dry for 24 hours. There is no guarantee that a spot can be removed from leather. When in doubt, call a professional before using any chemicals. |
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Tabletop. When leather is selected for a tabletop or other oft-used surface, it needs to be protected and maintained to reduce spots, stains and scratches. Dust it regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
To condition the leather, use professional leather products to ensure a good result. Products like mink oil can darken the leather, so it is always a good idea to test any product on a small area first. Stain protection can be added during the tanning process; look for leather with Scotchguard or another protective coating. Or you can apply surface protection against oil, water and dirt stains later.
To condition the leather, use professional leather products to ensure a good result. Products like mink oil can darken the leather, so it is always a good idea to test any product on a small area first. Stain protection can be added during the tanning process; look for leather with Scotchguard or another protective coating. Or you can apply surface protection against oil, water and dirt stains later.
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Faux leather. Like leather, faux leather can be stamped to create a detailed pattern that adds style and interest. Although faux leather is less expensive than genuine leather, it doesn't last as long or wear as well.
Often, to save on cost, faux leather is applied on the sides and back of a chair or sofa while genuine leather is used on the front. The faux leather is dyed to match the real deal.
Often, to save on cost, faux leather is applied on the sides and back of a chair or sofa while genuine leather is used on the front. The faux leather is dyed to match the real deal.
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Woven. When woven, leather is strong, durable and lasting. However, woven leather will stretch with time and use.
If it becomes scratched and scuffed, woven or unwoven leather can be polished, like you would polish a pair of shoes, to restore and renew the look.
If it becomes scratched and scuffed, woven or unwoven leather can be polished, like you would polish a pair of shoes, to restore and renew the look.
Comments
tcufrog Thanks for including practical advice in the ideabook. I always appreciate it when information about a new or seldom used material includes cleaning and durability information.
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EcoSpace Distribution Inc. Leather is indeed an attractive and noble material. Recycled leather in 4'x8' sheets from EcoDomo is a novelty worth taking a look at. See www.ecodomo.com. 
5 months ago · Like
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Francesca I once saw a woven leather counter top underneath glass in a bathroom. It has stuck with me as a beautiful and contemporary counter.
5 months ago · Like
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Culpepper Carpets & Interiors, Inc. @tcufrog, thank you for your comment as I strive to make my articles informative and educational.@ EcoSpace, I am so glad that you joined the conversation as I would have included leather kitchen cabinets but could not find a qualified distributor.
5 months ago · Like
Karen Pittenger I have read that real strides are being made in the development of leather inspired textiles, and though it might not (yet) last as long, I heard that it is easier to form and sew, and it is cruelty free folks! I think that is important for vegans and non-vegans alike who like the leather element.
5 months ago · Like
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morgana44 This is a very informative ideabook because I am about to reupholster two wing chairs (for the 5th time) and this time I want to use faux leather. It has to last longer than fabric...which has a five year shelf life in my used every day library.
5 months ago · Like
Culpepper Carpets & Interiors, Inc. Thank you for your comment. Please let me advise you to only use the faux leather on the sides and back. The faux leather will not wear well on the surfaces that get wear and stress. In fact it will not perform as well as some upholstery fabrics.
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Bowden Carroll Design Leather has made its way onto door and cabinet hardware, with Rocky Mountain and Emtek doing some beautiful pulls, levers and escutcheons, wrapped in leather. The British Library on the Euston Road has leather-wrapped handrails which I saw when the library was first opened; would be interested to see how they've stood up to constant use over the years. 
6 weeks ago · Like
Bowden Carroll Design By the way, the image I attached to my comment is from Rocky Mountain Hardware.
6 weeks ago · Like
Culpepper Carpets & Interiors, Inc. Thank you for sharing this lovely idea!
6 weeks ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Jan. 28, 2013.
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